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Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chong (second from left) chaired a meeting with corporate leaders from Korean washing machine and solar makers to discuss measures against new U.S. tariffs on imported washers and solar panels in Seoul on January 23.

According to an announcement made by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on January 22 (local time), President Donald Trump approved tariffs on imported large residential washers as well as imported solar cells and modules. This suggests that U.S. imports of Korean washing machines and solar panels are subject to safeguard measures.

In his opening remarks, Trade Minister Kim expressed regret over the U.S. official decision to impose “excessive” safeguard tariffs on its imports. He moved on to say that the Ministry will take measures to protect its national interests against new U.S. tariffs based on the rights granted by World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements. One of those measures will be filing a petition with the WTO.

After his opening remarks, Trade Minister Kim had discussions with industry representatives about response strategies to possible impacts of Washington’s protective tariffs.